Donald Trump during his campaign in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US on November 5, 2024. ARCHIVE

An impending travel ban under US President Donald Trump could bar individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan from entering the United States as early as next week, multiple sources revealed. The proposed ban is an expansion of Trump’s 2017 travel restrictions, which targeted majority-Muslim nations and were later upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018. The previous restrictions were repealed by former president Joe Biden in 2021, who called them a “stain on our national conscience.” Trump’s proposed “red list” of restricted countries reportedly includes Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. A second “orange list” would impose partial entry bans, limiting certain visa categories. According to officials familiar with the matter, Afghanistan is expected to be placed on a complete travel ban, while Pakistan is likely to be subject to partial restrictions. The move could severely impact tens of thousands of Afghans awaiting resettlement under US refugee programs or Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). One government official, speaking anonymously, noted that Afghan applicants already undergo rigorous security screenings, making them “more highly vetted than any population globally.” Despite this, the State Department’s resettlement office is struggling to secure an exemption for SIV holders, with sources indicating the request is unlikely to be granted. Shawn VanDiver, head of #AfghanEvac, a coalition helping Afghan refugees, warned of severe consequences. “While no official announcement has been made, multiple sources within the US government suggest a new travel restriction could be implemented within the next week,” VanDiver said. This development has sparked concerns among immigration advocates, who argue that Afghans who worked with the US military during its 20-year war now face heightened risks from the Taliban, which regained power in August 2021. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to battle violent Islamist militancy, adding another layer of security concerns for the US. Advocacy groups are urging visa holders to travel to the US immediately before restrictions are formally implemented. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page